Breast Reduction: Info, Prices, Photos, Reviews, Q&A

Breast reduction recovery period is usually 4-6 weeks before return to heavy physical activity that involves activities such as running/jogging/bounching, etc, heavy pressure on the breasts or heavy arm/shoulder workouts or similar activities.

Even at that time, you will still have some swelling that will take longer to resolve. You should plan the timing of your surgery accordingly.

A breast reduction recover is not too bad. Usually drains are placed and they come out within a few days of surgery.

The post-op activity should be limited for the first few weeks.

It does not mean you can not go back to work in 7-10 days, but you need to limit your exertional acitivity for several weeks after surgery.

Bruising And Swelling Are To Be Expected During The Breast Reduction Recovery Period

Breast Reduction Recovery

In my practice, patients typically resume any exercise and physical activity roughly four weeks after their breast reduction procedure.

While most patients feel back to their normal selves within 24-72 hours and return to work shortly thereafter, I do not permit my patients to resume exercising for at least four weeks as this can interfere with the healing process and increase a patient’s risk for post-operative complications.

The last thing I want any of my patients to do is rush their recovery. I have my patients wear a light weight compression sports bra for four weeks as well, to help reduce some post-operative swelling and comfortably hold everything where it is supposed to be without irritating the patients’ incisions.

I would strongly recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reduction procedures.

After 1 Week

Each surgeon has their own specific post-operative protocols and you may find some variation among surgeons as to when they allow their patients to resume normal physical activities.

Keep in mind that recovery period is almost as important as the surgery itself, and you do not want to compromise your final results to get back to the gym a few days sooner. (Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, Woodbury Plastic Surgeon)

After a breast reduction, there are wounds that need to heal. Putting strain on the wounds with premature over activity, like exercise, can cause complications such opening of the wounds.

Generally, normal activity can be resumed after 4 weeks, but I don’t recommend aggressive exercise for at least 2 months.

When you do, you will still require a sports bra. (Orna Fisher, MD, Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon)

Day 3

Recuperation is different in each person. Nonetheless, a breast reduction is a good bit easier to recover from than you might think.

There is no manipulation of muscle or bone and so the pain is somewhat less than with more invasive surgery like a tummy tuck.

Most women wake up feeling better than they expected and like a weight has been lifted off their back.

Two weeks of avoiding strenuous exercise is typically enough but those two weeks are fairly important.

Most women can go back to walking, especially light walking on a treadmill or outside, the day of surgery and certainly in the days following.

Pain medications can help this transition but it is likely best to listen to your body as your recover and if it is saying slow down, it is likely best to slow down. (Jeremy Pyle, MD, Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon)

Drains Photo

I find most patients can return to desk work and discontinue pain medication by 2 weeks. They then gradually return to activities reaching unrestricted activity by 6 weeks. (Paul S. Gill, MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)

You should be in good health which it seems like you are and at a stable weight. You should wait at least three weeks before you resume lighter exercise and at least 4-6 weeks before you take part in contact sports.

The average recovery period from a breast reduction is 1 month but in extreme cases it can take 6 weeks. And that if there are NO complications. (Darryl J. Blinski, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)

With a well done breast reduction you should be able to start exercise in two weeks and be involved in contact sports in 6-8 weeks. Most of my patients have surgery and in 2-3 days are back in their every day life.

The biggest complaint I get is, “I wish I had done this sooner.” Go for it and enjoy your youth and sports. (Carl W. “Rick” Lentz III, MD, Orlando Plastic Surgeon)

Recovery period after breast reduction is usually quite rapid barring unforeseen complications. Pain is minimal and you should be back to normal non-strenuous activities around the house within a week and back to light exercise within three weeks.

Full recovery for contact sports might be 4-6 weeks. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Recovery period varies a good bit among patients. I would suggest that you refrain from running and playing soccer for about 4 weeks and then wear a good athletic support bra when playing. (John Whitt, MD (retired), Louisville Plastic Surgeon)